Indiana University Athletics
Meet Senior Colleen McCracken
1/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
January 29, 2003
A Q&A WITH SENIOR COLLEEN McCRACKEN
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You went to high school in Lincoln, Nebraska. Did you grow up there and, if so, are you a Cornhuskers fan?
Yes, I've lived in Lincoln my whole life, and have always been a loyal Husker fan!
How did you end up at Indiana?
My club coach suggested that I write IU a letter and it just happened that their former assistant, Greg Earhart, was from Nebraska too.
Do you have any brothers and sisters? Is so, what are their ages and what do they do?
Yes, I have an older sister, Megan , 27, and she is a financial manager. My older brother Brian, 24, and younger brother Joey, 20, are both students and in the Navy.
What are your plans after graduation and how does your academic major play into those plans?
That's a funny question. My parents would probably like to know the answer as well. As of right now, I will be taking 5 years for my Exercise Science major with my minor in chemistry and I am planning on going to chiropractic school. Two months ago I was going to culinary school. My mind tends to wander a bit when it comes to career paths.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment in the swimming pool?
I can't really say anything that I would pick personally. But as for my team, my sophomore year when we beat Northwestern. It was amazing.
This year, I can answer that after Big Tens.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Free time...whats that?
Do you have any unique pre-race or pre-meet rituals?
I don't like to put my cap and goggles on until right before my race. I will walk up to the blocks the heat before I go, and it's go time when I put my cap and goggles on. Dorsey used to get a little nervous when I first started doing this.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I would have to say that I have three favorites, American Beauty, Dumb and Dumber and Legally Blonde. American beauty because it is an amazing movie. The other two because I love to laugh!
What is your favorite television show and why? Favorite book?
I don't really watch too much tv but I love Friends...As for books, the Harry Potter series is great and Lance Armstrong's book is inspiring.
How do you deal with the monotony of early morning practices?
What could possibly be monotonous about getting up at 5:15 to be in the water every morning!? It's really not that bad, once you get used to
it. At least I appreciated how late 8 am really feels.
As a backstroker, do you ever wish you had focused on a different event so you could spend more time seeing where you are going?
I swim the butterfly a bit too. I like being on my back better. It's more comfortable for me. I've learned how to tell where people are...just
look at their arms.
What are your primary goals for the remainder of the season?
To have the best races of my life and make this Big Tens unforgettable.
Describe Coach Tierney in three words?
Upfront, Committed, Unstoppable
Dorsey has said that you have recommitted yourself this year. Why do you think that's the case?
I have learned that what is real is now. I need to focus on what is important to me now and I won't have any regets. I've been swimming my whole life and this is the greatest it has ever been.
Who is your funniest teammate?
Sarah Bugden
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Florida
Do you have any musical talents?
Yes, I can play the violin and the trumpet. I like to sing alot although I am not that good at it.
What are your favorite foods?
Bbq chicken pizza, ribs and steak
What is your favorite event and why?
The 50 butterfly...longcourse (meters). You dive off the blocks like a rocket and you get out of the pool before you realize you swam the race!
Have you participated in any other sports?
Yes, I played soccer and softball as a kid, but I ran cross country in high school
How would you describe your personality?
Dramatic, loyal, fair, carefree and energetic
